Display unit for a vehicle

ABSTRACT

An entertainment system including a removable seat-back display unit and a docking station. The seat-back display unit can include a rotating latch butterfly release mechanism that prevents unauthorized release of the display unit from the docking station. The system can include a three-point attachment system that provides additional protection against accidental detachment of the display unit, and provide safety in the event of partial dislodging. The system can include a current control pin system that ensures that current is not provided from the docking station to the display unit until the respective connectors have been properly engaged. The system can further include a floating pin connector dock that can allow for installation of the display unit even when the connectors of the display unit and docking station become misaligned. The system can also include a heat dissipation system that employs the docking station to share the heat dissipation load with the display unit.

This application is a divisional application of U.S. Non-Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 15/272,108, filed Sep. 21, 2016. This and all otherreferenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference thatis incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to thedefinition of that term provided herein, the definition of that termprovided herein is deemed to be controlling.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention is in-vehicle entertainment systems.

BACKGROUND

The background description includes information that may be useful inunderstanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any ofthe information provided herein is prior art or relevant to thepresently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically orimplicitly referenced is prior art.

Modern in-flight entertainment systems have evolved from cabin-wideoverhead display systems to individual seat-back units for individualpassengers. This evolution can help to make air travel more pleasant byproviding a closer, more direct view of the on-screen content and, inmany cases, providing selectable entertainment options to the passenger.

These seat-back entertainment solutions pose challenges not present inthe cabin-wide overhead display systems. For example, seat-backentertainment solutions require more display units—one for eachpassenger. As such, with a greater amount of display units there is ahigher likelihood of a malfunction, requiring the replacement ofmalfunctioning or inoperable units. Additionally, because the seat-backentertainment solutions are individual to each passenger and thus unlikethe traditional overhead cabin-wide entertainment systems, there aregenerally no alternative screens for a passenger whose seat-back unithappens to be malfunctioning to view. Therefore, it is of greaterimportance that a malfunctioning unit be able to be quickly replaced,such as while an aircraft is on the ground between flights.

To address this concern, removable seat-back entertainment systems havebeen developed. Existing seat-back entertainment systems typicallyconsist of a docking station disposed within the seat back of the seatin front of a particular seat to which the individual entertainmentsystem corresponds, and a removable display unit that docks within thedocking station.

While existing removable seat-back entertainment systems are animprovement over the overhead cabin-wide systems, limitations remainwithin these existing seat-back entertainment solutions.

Existing systems employ various types of release mechanisms to allow thequick removal of a display unit from the docking station by airlinepersonnel. In an attempt to prevent unauthorized removal, some existingsystems require special tools that are introduced into openings on thefront of the display unit to access a release mechanism. However, theactuation of the release mechanism often only requires a single point ofcontact to be actuated, and as such the use of the tool can be bypassedby introducing other objects into the openings to actuate the releasemechanism. Thus, there is still a need for an easy-to-use latchingsystem that effectively prevents unauthorized removal of the displayunit from its docking station.

Another concern with current seat-back entertainment systems is the riskthat, in the event of extreme turbulence, a hard landing, or a crash,the docked display unit can become partially or fully dislodged and posea projectile hazard to passengers. Similarly, if in such a situation thedisplay unit is impacted by an object (e.g., the passenger's body orother objects that are tossed around the cabin), the impact can causethe display unit to be partially or fully dislodged from the dockingstation. Even if only partially dislodged, the installation of existingsystems is such that a partial failure is likely to cause the displayunit to swing upward, potentially striking a passenger's head or body.Thus, there is still a need for a secure engagement system that is easyto use and provides protection against undesired removal or separationof the display unit from its docking station.

Existing systems also lack a secure way to ensure proper installationbefore supplying current from the docking station to the removabledisplay unit. Providing current to an uninstalled or misinstalleddisplay unit can cause damage to the display unit and the dockingstation, and is a shock hazard for the installing personnel as well aspassengers.

Existing systems generally require a very precise alignment of thedisplay unit with the docking station in order to be properly installed,without tolerances for misalignment. As such, quick installation byservice personnel is difficult and cumbersome. Additionally, due to thisprecise alignment requirement, existing systems are rendered inoperableand need to be taken offline for repair or replacement if the connectorinterfaces of the removable display unit and/or the docking station aretaken out of alignment due to normal wear and tear, misuse, improperinstallation, or other damage.

Existing systems typically are limited in their heat-managementsolutions. As displays and the processors and other components used inthe display units become faster and more powerful, they will generatemore heat and thus will require improved heat management solutions.

Thus, there is still a need for a seat-back entertainment system thataddresses these additional limitations of existing solutions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods inwhich a removable display unit of a seat-back entertainment system canbe easily and securely installed and removed from a docking station,prevents accidental removal or dislodging (such as in the case ofturbulence or aircraft accident), accounts for potential causes ofmisalignment between the docking station and display unit, provides forimproved current control, and provides for improved heat management anddissipation.

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include an attachment orlatching system comprising a rotating butterfly latch having a body thatis movable to cause the actuation of a release mechanism that securesand releases a removable display unit to and from a docking station. Inembodiments, the body can rotate about a rotational element whereby therotation of the body from a first position (locked) to a second position(unlocked) causes the release mechanism to release. The butterfly latchalso includes a latch head rotationally coupled to the body such thatthe latch head can rotate around the body about a second axis ofrotation. The latch head includes contact points disposed such thatactuating only one of the contact points (or more than one contact pointunequally) causes the latch head to rotate about the body rather thancause movement of the body, and thus will not cause the body to move andactuate the release mechanism. The attachment system also includes acover in front of the body and latch head. The cover includesperforations aligned with the contact points of the latch head. Thus,when the display unit is installed within a docking station, the contactpoints can only be accessed via the perforations, such as via a toolhaving prongs spaced and dimensioned to align with the prongs and ofsufficient length to actuate the contact points to cause the body torotate. This cover can be the upper portion of the display unit itself.

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include a multi-point(preferably three-point) engagement system. The preferred three-pointengagement system includes first and second hinge hooks extending fromthe rear of the display unit, the hinge hooks curved towards the frontof the display unit, and a display attachment mechanism at an upper sideor rear of the display unit. The three-point engagement system alsoinclude corresponding hinge loops on the docking station that arearranged to receive the hinge hooks and a corresponding dockingattachment mechanism that can couple with the attachment mechanism ofthe display unit.

In some embodiments, the system can also include alignment tabs on thedocking station and corresponding alignment surfaces on the display unitthat help align the display unit with the docking station duringinstallation. Additionally, the display unit can have display alignmentmembers that include the alignment surface. The display alignmentmembers can be cavities having side, top, and/or bottom surfaces and bedimensioned to receive the corresponding alignment tabs of the dockingstation. The engagement of the alignment tabs within the alignmentmembers prevents lateral movement of the display unit relative to thedocking station. Thus, in these embodiments, the hinge loops of thedocking station do not have to be dimensioned to precisely fit the hingehooks. Instead, the hinge loops can have larger lateral dimensions thanthe hinge hooks such that during installation, the hinge hooks can havea degree of lateral movement within the hinge loops. The thickness ofthe hinge hooks and the corresponding dimensions of the hinge loops in a“vertical” direction (e.g., forward-backward direction that is offsetand preferably approximately perpendicular to the lateral directions;can be considered to be the direction towards the front or rear of thedocking station and/or the display unit) is such that the hinge hooksare not able to travel forward or backward when installed within thehinge loops. Preferably, the dimensions of the hinge hooks and hingeloops are such that the hinge hooks and corresponding hinge loops are incontact when the display unit is installed within the docking station.

In some embodiments, the display and dock attachment mechanism cancomprise the butterfly latch engagement mechanism.

In some embodiments, the hinge hooks are made of thermally-conductivematerial and thermally coupled with a heat sink of the display unit. Thecorresponding hinge loops are similarly made of a thermally-conductivematerial and thermally coupled to a thermally-conductive element of thedocking station, such as a rear plate of the docking station. Thus, thehinge hooks and hinge loops can assist with heat-management via the useof the docking station itself to provide heat-dissipation functions.

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include a current controlsystem that includes a connection or interface component (e.g., one halfof a connection interface such as a pin connection interface, etc.) anda contact point on the docking station and a corresponding connection orinterface component (e.g., the other half of a connection interface suchas a pin connection interface, etc.) and a current control pin on theremovable display unit.

The corresponding connection components of the docking station anddisplay unit arranged such that they come into engagement during theinstallation of the display unit within the docking station. Thisconnection interface can be a data connection interface, videoconnection interface, etc., and may or may not include powerdistribution functions.

The current control pin of the display unit is arranged to align withthe contact point of the docking station. The current control pinincludes an inner contact pin affixed to the rear of the display unit,with a spring that fits around the contact pin at one end and inside ofan inner cavity of a contact pin at the other end, such that exertion ofa force on the contact pin causes the spring to compress and the contactpin to travel towards the inner contact pin, ultimately causing theinner contact pin to come into contact with the inner cavity of thecontact pin. This contact of the inner contact pin with the contact pinenables current flow from the docking station to the display unit.

The dimensions of the various components of the current control pin, aswell as their arrangement, are such that the connection components ofthe docking station and display unit will come into engagement duringinstallation of the display unit before the contact pin comes intocontact with the inner contact pin. As such, current is not supplied tothe display device until the connection components are properly engaged.

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include a floating connectordock system wherein the connector interface of a docking station can beafforded a small measure of lateral movement to accommodate a measure ofmisalignment of the corresponding connector interface of the removabledisplay unit (e.g., due to wear-and-tear, abuse, damage, inaccurateinstallation, etc.). In these embodiments of the inventive subjectmatter, the docking station includes one or more guide pins extendingoutward from a rear panel. These guide pins pass through perforations ofa connector interface plate that has the connector interface, theseperforations dimensioned to be larger than the cross-sectional area ofthe guide pins by a set tolerance amount. The system includes springs(e.g., disk springs) disposed around the guide pins between the baseplate and the connector interface plate, which exert a force on theconnector interface plate in a forward direction, thus preventing impactof the connector interface plate with the rear plate.

The connector interface plate also includes one or more dock alignmenttabs that, when brought into contact with a corresponding alignmentmechanism of the display unit, brings the connector interface intoalignment with a corresponding connector interface of the display unitby causing the corresponding lateral movement of the connector interfaceplate.

In embodiments, the system also includes a front plate that isstatically fixed to the rear plate, covering the connector interfaceplate. The connector interface plate is thus largely enveloped in thespace between the rear plate and the front plate, and biased against thefront plate by the springs. The front plate includes an opening thatallows access to the connector interface and dock alignment tabs forconnection, the opening being dimensioned to be larger than the areaneeded for the connector dock and dock alignment tabs by at least thetolerance amount of the guide pins and perforations of the connectorinterface plate. In other words, the front plate include an opening thatallows for access to the connector interface and dock alignment tabseven if the connector interface plate moves laterally by the toleranceamount afforded by the relative sizes of the guide pins andcorresponding perforations of the connector interface plate.

Embodiments of the inventive subject matter include one or more leafsprings extending from the rear of the display unit. The leaf springsare made of a thermally-conductive material and are thermally coupled toa heat sink of the display unit. The leaf springs are dimensioned suchthat when the display unit is installed in the docking station, the leafsprings are in contact with a thermally-conductive element of thedocking station (for example, the rear plate made of athermally-conductive material). As such, the leaf springs can transferheat for dissipation to the docking station, thus sharing the heatmanagement load.

In embodiments, the attachment mechanisms used to secure the displayunit within the docking station can similarly be made ofthermally-conductive materials and be correspondingly thermally-coupledto the heat sink of the display unit and the thermally-conductiveelement of the docking station. Contemplated suitable attachmentmechanism can include the hinge hooks and hinge loops described inembodiments of the inventive subject matter.

Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventivesubject matter will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanyingdrawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to thesame extent as if each individual publication or patent application werespecifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference isinconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein,the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definitionof that term in the reference does not apply.

The description herein includes information that may be useful inunderstanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any ofthe information provided herein is prior art or relevant to thepresently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically orimplicitly referenced is prior art.

In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients,properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth,used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are tobe understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.”Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth inthe written description and attached claims are approximations that canvary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by aparticular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parametersshould be construed in light of the number of reported significantdigits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstandingthat the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scopeof some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numericalvalues set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely aspracticable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of theinvention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from thestandard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth hereinshould be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints andopen-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commerciallypractical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered asinclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates thecontrary.

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow,the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the descriptionherein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise.

The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve asa shorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, eachindividual value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and allexamples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respectto certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminatethe invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of theinvention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should beconstrued as indicating any non-claimed element essential to thepractice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each groupmember can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combinationwith other members of the group or other elements found herein. One ormore members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group forreasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion ordeletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the groupas modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markushgroups used in the appended claims

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIGS. 1A-1C are front, side and isometric views of the combinedremovable display unit and docking station with references to relativedirections.

FIG. 2 provides a view of a rotating latch butterfly assembly of theremovable display unit, according to embodiments of the inventivesubject matter.

FIG. 3A provides an isometric isolated view of latch butterfly,according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

FIGS. 3B and 3C provide a front view and a right-side view of the latchbutterfly, respectively, according to embodiments of the inventivesubject matter.

FIG. 4A provides a front view of the assembly highlighting the latchcomponent, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 4B provides an isolated view of the latch component from anisometric rear perspective showing the actuation surface and the rearshape of the latch tabs, according to embodiments of the inventivesubject matter.

FIG. 5 provides an isolated view of the frame component from anisometric perspective, according to embodiments of the inventive subjectmatter.

FIG. 6 provides a cutaway view of the rotating latch butterfly assemblyin a locked position, according to embodiments of the inventive subjectmatter.

FIG. 7 illustrates the free rotation of the head component of the latchbutterfly, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 8 shows the latch key holes and the latch key, according toembodiments of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 9 provides a detailed view of the latch hoops of the dockingstation, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

FIGS. 10A and 10B provide an illustration of a removable seat-backdisplay unit and docking station, respectively, incorporating thethree-point engagement docking system, according to embodiments of theinventive subject matter.

FIG. 11 illustrates the display unit mid-installation, according toembodiments of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 12 illustrates the display unit of FIG. 10A installed with dockingstation from a isometric, rear perspective, according to embodiments ofthe inventive subject matter.

FIG. 13 provides a close-up view of various components of the dockingstation, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 14 provides a close-up view of the rear of the display unit,illustrating various components according to embodiments of theinventive subject matter.

FIG. 15 provides a detailed cross-section view of current control pin,according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 16 illustrates display unit during installation with the dockingstation according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 17 shows the instance where the docking connectors have becomeengaged, and the contact pin has contacted the contact point, but thecontact pin has not yet been pushed back toward inner contact pin,according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 18 provides an exploded view of the floating pin connector docksystem of a docking station, according to embodiments of the inventivesubject matter.

FIG. 19 provides a close-up view of various components of the dockingstation, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 20 provides a close-up view of the rear of the display unit,including connector alignment surfaces and cavities, according toembodiments of the inventive subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Throughout the following discussion, numerous references will be maderegarding servers, services, interfaces, engines, modules, clients,peers, portals, platforms, or other systems formed from computingdevices. It should be appreciated that the use of such terms, is deemedto represent one or more computing devices having at least one processor(e.g., ASIC, FPGA, DSP, x86, ARM, ColdFire, GPU, multi-core processors,etc.) programmed to execute software instructions stored on a computerreadable tangible, non-transitory medium (e.g., hard drive, solid statedrive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). For example, a server can include one ormore computers operating as a web server, database server, or other typeof computer server in a manner to fulfill described roles,responsibilities, or functions. One should further appreciate thedisclosed computer-based algorithms, processes, methods, or other typesof instruction sets can be embodied as a computer program productcomprising a non-transitory, tangible computer readable media storingthe instructions that cause a processor to execute the disclosed steps.The various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces can exchange datausing standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP,HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchanges, web service APIs, knownfinancial transaction protocols, or other electronic informationexchanging methods. Data exchanges can be conducted over apacket-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type ofpacket switched network.

The following discussion provides many example embodiments of theinventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a singlecombination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter isconsidered to include all possible combinations of the disclosedelements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and asecond embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subjectmatter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A,B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term“coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which twoelements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirectcoupling (in which at least one additional element is located betweenthe two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with”are used synonymously.

For the purposes of clarity and understanding, FIGS. 1A-1C are providedto provide a reference for the terminology discussed herein regardingdirections relative to the seat-back entertainment system discussed.FIGS. 1A-1C provide front, side, and isometric views of the combinedremovable display unit 101 (which may also be referred to herein as a“seat-back unit”, “removable unit” or some variation or combinationthereof) and base or docking station 102 of the inventive subject matter(collectively referred to as entertainment system 100).

The illustrative examples of the various aspects of the inventivesubject matter discussed within make references to a display unit101/1000, showing a video display unit to be installed within dockingstation 102/1100. It should be understood that the references to displayunit 101/1000 are not intended to limit the inventive subject matter toremovable seat-back units having video capabilities alone. Rather, itshould be understood that the display unit discussed and shown herein isan example of a suitable removable unit incorporating the describedaspects of the inventive subject matter. As such, mentions of “displayunit” are intended to also include other seat-back units that wouldbenefit from the inventive subject matter whether they have video and/oraudio output capabilities or not, such as other removable modularseat-back units that may require a data and/or power feed from thedocking station. Examples can include computing devices (with ourwithout video/audio output), media storage units such as server storageunits, networking units, video game consoles, etc.

References herein to “seat back” units are not intended to limit theinstallation to the backs of airplane seats. The systems and methods ofthe inventive subject matter can be applied to any applicable structuresor supports (e.g., front-of-cabin dividing structures, fixed walls,etc.) whereby a docking station can be installed to receive a displayunit.

The directions indicated by the arrows 110 of the front view of FIG. 1Aare referred to herein generally as “lateral” directions (along the Xand Y axis). The side view of FIG. 1B illustrates the “vertical”directions indicated by arrows 120 (along the Z axis). Verticaldirections 120 can be considered to be those that are “towards thefront” or “towards the rear” of the seat-back entertainment system 100.The vertical directions 120 can also be considered to refer generally tothe direction of installation and removal of the removable display unitfrom the docking station, as installation involves a direction towardthe docking station generally and removal involves a direction away fromthe docking station generally. Lateral directions 110 can be generallyconsidered to be those that are approximately perpendicular to the“vertical” direction indicated by arrows 120, as shown in the side viewof FIG. 1B. In the embodiments illustrated herein, the lateraldirections 110 are also approximately parallel to the plane of thedisplay screen and rear side of the display unit, and/or the back plateof the docking station.

A) Rotating Latch Butterfly Mechanism

In order to facilitate the easy removal of a removable display unit byauthorized personnel, while preventing accidental removal or removal byunauthorized personnel, the seat back unit's release mechanism canincorporate a rotating latch butterfly release, according to embodimentsof the inventive subject matter.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative example of a rotating latch butterfly assembly200 of the removable display unit 101, according to embodiments of theinventive subject matter. As seen in FIG. 2, the assembly 200 includes alatch butterfly 300 disposed within a frame 500. Assembly 200 alsoincludes latch 400 movably coupled with frame 500, in position to beactuated by the latch butterfly 300. The latch butterfly 300, latch 400,and frame 500 are described in greater detail below:

FIG. 3A provides an isometric isolated view of latch butterfly 300.FIGS. 3B and 3C provide a front view and a right-side view of the latchbutterfly 300, respectively. As seen in FIG. 3A, latch butterfly 300includes a body 310, and a latch head 320 rotatably coupled to the body310.

The body 310 includes a rotational element 311, actuation tab 312, and arotational coupling element 313.

The latch head 320 includes a first contact point 321, a second contactpoint 322, and a rotational coupling element 323. In FIGS. 3A-3C, thefirst contact point and second contact points 321, 322 are shown as tabsextending from the center of latch head 320. As shown in FIGS. 3A-3C,rotational coupling element 323 couples with rotational coupling element313 of body 310 such that the latch head 320 is capable of rotatingabout the vertical axis of rotation 330. The first and second contactpoints 321, 322 are positioned on opposite sides of the axis of rotation330. Thus, if a force is applied to one of the contact points without anequal force applied to the other contact point such that the resultingtorques are unequal, the latch head 320 will rotate freely about theaxis of rotation 330. This result is illustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 4A provides a front view of the assembly 200, highlighting thelatch 400 in the darker shading. As seen in FIG. 4A, latch 400 includesa latch body 410, with two latch tabs 431, 432 projecting from the latchbody 410. The latch 400 is movably coupled to the frame 500 via guideposts 420, which are fixably attached to the frame 500 and run throughlatch body 410 via corresponding openings. Thus, latch body 410 can movealong the length of guide posts 420 within the frame 500. The latch 400also includes springs 421, shown disposed about two of the guide posts420. Springs 421 are compression springs, thus without a force actingagainst them, springs 420 exert a force on latch body 410 such that itis in the “locked” or “attached” position shown in FIG. 4A (“upward” onthe page, in a positive Y direction). The latch 400 can be considered tobe a release mechanism, as the movement thereof causes the release ofthe display unit from the docking station.

FIG. 4B provides an isolated view of the latch 400 from an isometricrear perspective, showing the rear shape of the latch tabs 431, 432 aswell as the actuation surface 440. The curved rear shape of latch tabs431, 432 allow for the display unit 101 to be docked within dockingstation 102 without requiring the actuation of the latch 400 via thelatch butterfly 300. During installation, the contact of the latch loops451, 452 with the curved surfaces of the corresponding latch tabs 431,432, will push the latch tabs 431, 432 downward. Once the latch tabs431, 432 clear the rims of the latch loops, the lack of resistance fromthe latch loops will allow springs 421 to push the latch body 410 (andthus, the latch tabs 431, 432) upward to the locked position within thelatch loops 451, 452, thus securing the display unit 101 properly withthe docking station 102.

FIG. 5 provides an isolated view of frame 500, from an isometricperspective. As seen in FIG. 5, frame 500 includes two projectingelements 510 having curved inside surfaces that are dimensioned to fitthe rotational element 311 of the latch butterfly 300, allowing for therotation of the latch butterfly 300 in a rear-ward direction when forceis applied to the tabs 321, 322 as described herein. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 5, the projecting elements 510 are of a length to form aportion of the curved surfaces that define the cavity that will housethe rotational element 311. In these embodiments, the remaining sectionsof the cavity can be formed by a section 520 on the back plate 530 ofthe display unit 101, as shown in FIG. 6. Thus, when assembled, the fullcavity is formed that can rotatably house the rotational element 311.This configuration provides easy, secure assembly of the cavity androtational element 311 by eliminating the need to leave space forseparate installation of the rotational element 311 in a fully-formedcavity, which can be difficult, cause component damage, and increase thechances of an undesired removal of the rotational element 311 from thecavity once assembled. In other embodiments, the projecting elements 510can be of a size such that the majority or even entirety of the cavityis formed by the curved surfaces of the projecting elements 510themselves, without requiring a complementary component with theremainder of the curved surface to form the cavity.

FIG. 6 provides a cutaway view of the assembly 200, in a lockedposition. In order to actuate the latch 400 and release the display unit101 from the docking station 102, the latch butterfly 300 is made torotate about axis of rotation 340 via the engagement of both contactpoints 321,322 in a rearward direction. This rotation causes actuationtab 312 to exert a downward force on a corresponding actuation surface420 of latch 400, causing latch body 410 (and thus, latch tabs 431, 432)to move downward (e.g., toward a release position). A sufficientdownward movement of latch tabs 431, 432 (e.g., reaching the releaseposition) results in the latch tabs 431, 432 becoming disengaged fromthe corresponding latch hoops 451, 452 of the docking station 102, thusfreeing the display unit 101 from the docking station 102.

When a force is no longer applied to the contact points 321, 322, theforce exerted by compressed springs 421 pushes the latch body 410 backupwards. As the latch body 410 moves upward, the actuation surface 420will push on actuation tab 312, causing the latch butterfly 300 torotate towards forwards to the default “locked” position.

In seat-back entertainment systems and other similar installations, thedocking station is installed within the seat (or other structure) suchthat when the display unit 101 is installed, the front side of thedisplay unit 101 is flush or nearly flush with the surrounding structure(e.g., seat-back, cabin-dividing wall, etc.). Thus, when the displayunit 101 is installed with docking station 102, the combined structureof the display unit itself 101 as well as the structure housing thedocking station prevent direct access to the latch butterfly 210. Inorder to actuate the latch butterfly 210 when the display unit 101 isinstalled with docking station 102, the display unit 101 includes latchkeyholes 810 and 820, as shown in FIG. 8. The latch keyholes 810 and 820line up with the first contact point 321 and 322, respectively. Thecontact points 321, 322 are thus accessed for actuation via therespective keyholes 810 and 820 by the use of an unlock tool, such aslatch key 830 (shown in FIG. 8, for illustrative purposes and notintended to be interpreted as being to scale) having prongs 831 and 832that align with and can be inserted into the keyholes 810 and 820. Theprongs 831, 832 of the latch key 830 are arranged such that when theyare inserted into the keyholes 810 and 820, the prongs make contact withand thus can exert force on both of the contact points 321, 322. Asshown in the illustrative example of FIG. 8, the latch key 830 can alsoinclude a handle 833.

Thus, as the latch key 830 is pushed such that the prongs proceedfurther in the direction of insertion, the torques exerted by bothprongs on each of the contact points 321, 322 cancel each other out,preventing rotation of the latch butterfly 210 about axis of rotation of330. Thus, the balanced force exerted on the contact points 321, 322 bythe latch key pushes the latch head 320 inward, causing it to rotateabout axis of rotation 340, thereby actuating the latch 400 as discussedabove to release the display unit 101.

Because both contact points 321, 322 must be actuated simultaneously toactuate the latch 400, an unauthorized party cannot remove the displayunit 101 by introducing a single element into one of the keyholes 810,820. As such, unauthorized removal of the display unit 101 is prevented.

In most embodiments (such as the one illustrated herein), the prongswill be of equal length because the contact points 321, 322 aresymmetrical about axis of rotation 330. However, it is contemplated thatif contact points 321, 322 are not symmetrical, the lengths of theprongs are such that when inserting the prongs into keyholes 810, 820,both of the contact points 321, 322 can be actuated simultaneously. Theprongs are of a sufficient length to reach the contact points 321 and322, and also to account for the travel of the contact points when thelatch butterfly 210 rotates about axis of rotation 340 sufficiently tocause latch tabs 431, 432 to disengage from the corresponding latchloops of docking station 102.

FIG. 9 provides a detailed view of the latch hoops 451, 452 of dockingstation 102, that receive the latch tabs 431, 432, respectively, whenthe display unit 101 is installed within docking station 102.

B) Three-Point Engagement Docking System

FIGS. 10A and 10B provide an illustration of a removable seat-backdisplay unit 1000 and docking station 1100, respectively, thatincorporate the three-point engagement docking system of embodiments ofthe inventive subject matter. As seen in FIG. 10A (depicting the rear orback side of display unit 1000), the display unit 1000 includes hingehooks 1010 and 1020, and a display attachment mechanism 1030. Dockingstation 1100, in turn, has hinge loops 1110 and 1120 corresponding tohinge hooks 1010 and 1020, respectively, and a docking attachmentmechanism 1130 corresponding to display attachment mechanism 1030, asshown in FIG. 10B. The display attachment mechanism 1030 andcorresponding docking attachment mechanism 1130 can be collectivelyreferred to for the discussion of the three point engagement dockingsystem embodiments as the attachment mechanism or latch mechanism 1031.

In embodiments, such as the one illustrated in the discussion herein,the latch mechanism 1031 can comprise the rotating latch butterflymechanism 200 (and corresponding docking station components) discussedabove. However, it is contemplated that, for the three-point engagementdocking system, conventional latches used in existing seat-back unitscan also be suitable.

The display unit 1000 (also corresponding to display unit 101 of FIGS.1A-1C) is installed into docking station 1100 (corresponding to dockingstation 102 of FIGS. 1A-1C) by inserting the hinge hooks 1010, 1020 intotheir corresponding hinge loops 1100, 1120 of docking station 1100, andthen rotating the display unit 1000 upward until display attachmentmechanism 1030 engages with the corresponding docking attachmentmechanism 1130 of the docking station 1100. FIG. 11 illustrates thedisplay unit 1000 mid-installation. FIG. 12 illustrates display unit1000 of FIG. 10A installed with docking station 1100 from a isometric,rear perspective, showing hinge hooks 1010 and 1020 installed in hingeloops 1110, 1120, respectively. When installed, the ends of the hooks1010, 1020 contact the underside surfaces of the hinge loops 1110, 1120,respectively, to “hook” the hinge loops and thus securing the displayunit 1000 against movement in the positive Y-axis direction as well asremoval of the unit from the loops in the Z-axis direction without firstproperly releasing the attachment mechanism 1031 and rotating the unit1000 downward to be able to release the hooks 1010, 1020 from the loops1110, 1120. The thickness of the hinge hooks 1010, 1020 and thedimensions of hinge hoops along the Z-axis are such that, when thedisplay unit 1000 has been installed, the hinge hooks 1010, 1020 do nothave freedom of movement within the hinge loops 1110, 1120 in the Z-axisdirection. To facilitate installation, the thickness of the hooks can betapered from a narrower thickness at the end such that the thickness ofthe end of the hook is easier to introduce into the corresponding hingeloop, and then the tapering of the thickness helps to guide the hookinto a proper place within the loop as the display unit 1000 rotatedinto place.

As seen in the embodiments of FIG. 10B, and in close-up views of FIGS.13 and 19, the docking station 1100 includes, a pair of alignment tabs1140 extending outwardly, away from rear panel 1150. The alignment tabs1140 include tapered surfaces 1141 extending outward from the end of anddisposed around the periphery of the alignment tab 1140, lateralsurfaces 1142, top and bottom surfaces 1143, 1144, respectively, andcurved corner surfaces 1145. During installation of the display unit1000 into docking station 1100, these alignment tabs 1140 come intocontact with corresponding display alignment surfaces 1040 of displayunit 1000 to align connector 1060 of the display unit 1000 with thecorresponding connector 1160 of docking station 1100.

Connectors 1060 and 1160 are corresponding connectable ends of aconnector interface, can comprise any type of connector interfacesuitable for data, power, video, and/or audio connections. Typically,connector interfaces are arranged in a “male/female” physical pairing,but the connector interfaces can also include magnetic connectors orother connector interfaces having complementary connector ends. Theexamples illustrated herein show a pin connection interface, butexamples of other suitable interfaces can include HDMI, USB, proprietaryconnectors, etc.

The alignment surfaces 1040, not shown in the simplified view of FIG.10, are illustrated in FIG. 14. In embodiments, such as that of FIG. 14,the display alignment surfaces 1040 can be considered to part of analignment component 1050 of display unit 1000. The embodiment of FIG. 14shows two mirroring alignment components 1050, with only one labeled forthe purposes of clarity in illustration. In addition to the displayalignment surfaces 1040, alignment component 1050 also includes cavities1051 defined by side 1052, top 1053 and bottom 1054.

Thus, the contact of the tapered alignment surfaces 1040 with taperedsurfaces 1141 of the alignment tabs 1140 will guide the alignment tabs1140 into cavities 1051. The cavity 1051 is dimensioned to fit itscorresponding alignment tab 1140 such that an inserted alignment tab1140 is restrained from moving in one or more lateral directions. Thus,once the alignment tab 1140 are inserted into the cavity 1051, thecontact between the surfaces 1142, 1143, 1144 of the alignment tabs 1140and the corresponding surfaces 1052, 1053, and 1054 of cavity 1051 (andtheir respective curved corners) prevents lateral movement of thedisplay unit 1000 relative to docking station 1100.

In the embodiments shown herein, two alignment tabs 1140 are used and assuch, the mirroring cavities 1051 only have to have three sides.Depending on the number of alignment tabs and corresponding cavitiesused, the number of sides required for each cavity can change as therestriction of movement in the different lateral directions can beshared. For example, in embodiments where only a single cavity andsingle alignment tab are used, restricting all lateral movements via anengagement of the corresponding side surfaces would require the singlecavity to contact the alignment tab on all sides.

In a variation of these embodiments, it may be desirable to restrictlateral movements in certain directions and not necessary to do so inothers. In these embodiments, the cavities 1051 can be dimensioned suchthat the alignment tab 1140 fits to restrict movement only in thosedesired directions. Thus, if the movement is to be restricted in thelateral “sideways” (along the X-axis) directions but not “up” or “down”(along the Y-axis), then the alignment tabs 1140 and correspondingcavities 1051 would be dimensioned such that the sides 1142 of fullyinserted tabs 1140 would be in contact with the corresponding sides 1052of the cavity 1051, but there would be space between the respective topand bottom surfaces of the tabs 1140 and cavities 1051. This tolerancecan make the installation and removal of the display unit 1000 easier,especially where the installation of the display unit 1000 require arotation about hinge hooks into place.

Because the fit between tabs 1140 and cavities 1051 prevent the lateralmovement of the display unit 1000 relative to docking station 1100, thehinge hooks 1010, 1020 and the respective hinge loops 1110, 1120 can bedimensioned to have some tolerance or degree of lateral movement alongthe X-axis. As such, the alignment between the hinge hooks 1010, 1020and the respective hinge loops 1110, 1120 does not have to be absolutelyprecise to ensure that proper connection between connectors 1060, 1160is achieved and maintained. Thus, in these embodiments, the lateraldimensions of the hinge loops 1110, 1120 are larger than the lateraldimensions of the respective hinge hooks 1010, 1020. For example, thelateral dimensions of the hinge loops can be at least 5%, 10%, 25%, oreven 50% larger than the lateral dimensions of the corresponding hingehooks.

It is contemplated that, in other embodiments, the display alignmentsurfaces 1040 can simply be tapered surfaces or tabs extending from theback of the display unit 1000 without the other aspects of alignmentcomponent 1050, that are disposed such that the contact between thesurfaces 1040 and the tapered surfaces of alignment tabs 1140 brings thedisplay unit 1000 and docking station 1100 into alignment.

C) Current Control System

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the supply of currentfrom the docking station 1100 to a removable display unit 1000 can becontrolled via a current control system that includes a current controlpin such that current is not supplied via from the docking station tothe display unit 1000 until the current control pin is engaged. Toprevent potential shock injury to personnel or a passenger, or potentialdamage to the system due to premature current supply, the currentcontrol system of the inventive subject matter ensures that current isnot supplied by the docking station 1100 powered unless a connector 1060of the display unit 1000 is properly engaged with the connector of the1160.

FIG. 14 provides an illustrative view of the rear section of displayunit 1000 that includes current control pin 1070 and connector interface1060, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Thecurrent control pin 1070 allows for an order of operations in connectingthe seat-back display unit 1000 to docking station 1100.

FIG. 15 provides a detailed cross-section view of current control pin1070. As seen in FIG. 15, spring 1074 (preferably a compression spring)is partially disposed within inner cavity 1073 of contact pin 1072 at afirst end and around an inner contact pin 1071 at the second end. Thecurrent control pin 1070 also includes an outer housing 1075 and aninner housing 1076. The inner housing 1076 can include tab 1076 a, whichcomes into contact with tab 1072 a of the contact pin, thus limiting theoutward travel of contact pin 1072 within outer housing 1075.

The inner contact pin 1071 is attached to the rear of the display unit1000, such as to the back plate, such that the contact pin iselectrically and/or communicatively coupled with the appropriateinternal components of the display unit 1000. In the example of FIG. 15,the inner house 1076 is also attached to the rear of the display unit1000. The outer housing 1075 is then coupled with the inner housing1076.

FIG. 15 illustrates the state of pogo pin 1070 when no external force isapplied to the contact pin 1072. As such, at FIG. 15, the contact pin1072 is at full outward extension. At the state shown in FIG. 15, spring1074 is at a fully unloaded state or, in embodiments, at a slightlycompressed state, such that it provides force upon contact pin 1072 tokeep the contact pin 1072 at the fully extended state (with tabs 1072 aabutting tabs 1076 a).

The current control system also includes a corresponding contact point1170 on docking station 1100, as shown in FIG. 13. The contact pin 1072and docking connector 1060 on display unit 1000 and contact point 1170and docking connector 1160 on docking station 1100 are arranged suchthat docking connectors 1060, 1160 and the contact pin 1072 and contactpoint 1170 are in respective alignment when the display unit 1000 isinstalled in the docking station 1100.

FIG. 16 illustrates display unit 1000 during installation with thedocking station 1100, with a close-up view of the relative positions ofconnectors 1060, 1160 and of current control pin 1070 (with contact pin1072 visible) and contact point 1170.

As the display unit 1000 is installed in the docking station 1100, thecontact pin 1072 comes into contact with the contact point 1170. As theseat-back unit 1000 is brought closer to the final installationposition, the movement of the seat-back unit 1000 (with contact pin 1072contacting contact point 1170) towards the docking station 1100 causesthe compression of spring 1074, bringing inner contact pin 1071 towardcontact pin 1072 until the inner contact pin 1071 comes into contactwith the contact pin 1072, thus “engaging” the current control pin 1070.

In embodiments, the contact point 1170 is coupled to a current source,and made of an electrically conductive material. In these embodiments,the inner contact pin 1071 and contact pin 1072 are made of electricallyconductive materials and the inner contact pin 1071 is coupled to thepower drawing components of the display unit 1000. In these embodiments,the current is supplied via the contact point 1170 through the engagedcontact pin 1072 and inner contact pin 1071. Thus, until the innercontact pin 1071 and contact pin 1072 are engaged, no current passesfrom the contact point 1170 to the display unit 1000.

In other embodiments, the contact pin 1070 serves to complete a signalpathway or close a signal circuit, whereby the contact point 1170 servesto emit a signal that is only ably returned to a controller withindocking station 1100 if the contact pin 1072 and inner contact pin 1071are engaged. In these embodiments, only once the controller of thedocking station 1100 receives a return signal from the display unit 1000does the docking station begin supplying current (via connector 1160 ifit is capable of also supplying power, or via a separate power connectorinterface that is also brought into contact).

The inner contact pin 1071, contact pin 1072, and inner housing 1076 aredimensioned such that, during installation, the docking connectors 1060,1160 become engaged before the contact pin 1072 travels sufficiently tocontact inner contact pin 1071. Thus, docking connectors 1060, 1160 arepreferably of a connector interface that is capable of operating withoutrequiring a complete insertion of the pins of interface 1060 into thecorresponding sockets of interface 1160, such that a degree ofadditional travel in the direction of the docking station 1100 allowsfor the completion of the engagement of the current control pin 1070.FIG. 17 shows the instance where the docking connectors 1060, 1160 havebecome engaged, and the contact pin 1072 has contacted contact point1170, but the contact pin has not yet been pushed back toward innercontact pin 1071 (i.e., the amount of visible section of contact pin1072 is approximately the same as in FIG. 16). As shown at least by gaps1701 and 1702, as well as the visible amount of pins of connector 1060,there is a further amount of travel (which can be less than or equal tothe dimensions of gaps 1701, 1702 between the display unit 1000 anddocking station 1100 and/or travel left of pins of connector 1060 intothe corresponding sockets) that the display unit 1000 can take beforebeing at a fully installed position. If it is assumed that the snapshotof FIG. 17 is the point at which the connectors 1060, 1160 can beconsidered to be engaged, the amount of travel of contact pin 1072 tocome into contact with inner contact pin 1071 will be less than or equalto this remaining travel.

When the display unit 1000 is unlocked and pulled away from the dockingstation 1100, the order of operations will be the reverse of that ofinstallation. That is, as the display unit 1000 is pulled away from thedocking station 1100, the spring 1074 will cause the current control pin1070 to become disengaged before the docking connectors 1060, 1160become disengaged. Thus, the supply of current to the display unit 1000will be interrupted before the docking connectors 1060, 1160 areseparated.

D) Floating Connector Dock System

The floating pin connector dock allows for the docking of a display unit1000 whose pin (or other interface) connector 1060 is not exactlyaligned with the pin (or other interface) connector 1160 of the dockingstation 1100.

FIG. 18 provides an exploded view of the floating pin connector docksystem 1800 of a docking station, according to embodiments of theinventive subject matter.

As shown in FIG. 18, the floating connector dock system 1800 includes aconnector interface plate 1810, to which the connector 1160 is attached.The connector interface plate 1810 is installed between the real panel1820 and front panel 1830. In order to account for a misalignment of thepin connector 1160, the floating pin connector dock system 1800 enablesthe connector interface plate 1810 to move relative to the panels 1820,1830. To allow a degree of freedom of movement, the connector interfaceplate 1810 is held in place via guide pins 1821 (three pins shown in theillustrative embodiment, but the contemplated number of pins can befewer than three or greater than three) fitting through pin openings1811 of the plate 1810. The areas of pin openings 1811 and thecross-section areas of their corresponding pins 1821 have a tolerancethat allows the connector interface plate 1810 to move relative to thepins 1821. The tolerance can depend on the size of the connector 1160,the size of the required connector interface plate 1810 for a particularconnector 1160, and other factors. Examples of contemplated tolerancescan include 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 2 mm, 5 mm, 7.5 mm, and 10 mm.

Front panel 1830 is rigidly attached to rear panel 1820, such that norelative movement between the front panel 1830 and rear panel 1820exists. Front panel 1830 includes an opening 1831 through which theconnector 1160 can be accessed for connection with the correspondingconnector 1060 of the removable display unit 1000.

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter that include the contactpin described in section C above (and also illustrated in FIG. 18), theopening 1831 also provides access to contact point 1170 for thecorresponding contact pin 1070 of the display unit 1000.

As with the pins 1821 and pin openings 1811, the area of opening 1831 islarge enough to provide a tolerance of movement of the connector 1160and contact point 1170 relative to the front panel 1830, such that theconnector 1160 and contact point 1170 remain accessible via opening 1831even if displaced by the tolerance amount. The tolerance provided by theopening 1831 is preferably greater or equal to the tolerance between thepins 1821 and pin openings 1811.

In order to keep the connector interface plate 1810 from rattling aroundwithin the assembled panels 1820, 1830, the system 1800 includes a disksprings 1840 installed on guide pins 1821, placed between the rear panel1820 and the connector interface plate 1810. FIG. 18 also shows washers1841 used between the disk springs 1840 and the underside of connectorinterface plate 1810.

To align the floating connector 1160 with the corresponding connector1060 of the display unit 1000, the system 1800 also includes alignmenttabs 1850 attached to the connector interface plate 1810, disposed oneach side of the connector 1160. The alignment tabs 1850 extend outwardfrom connector interface plate 1810 beyond the connector 1060 andinclude sloped or tapered surfaces 1851. FIG. 19 provides a view of theinstalled connector interface plate 1810 with the front plate 1830removed, and provides a clear view of the alignment tabs 1850.

In these embodiments, the display unit 1000 can also include taperedalignment surfaces 2001 and cavities 2002, as shown in FIG. 20. Cavities2002 are dimensioned to receive the alignment tabs 1850. Thus, if theconnector 1060 of the display unit 1000 and the connector 1160 of thedocking station 1100 are misaligned, the contact of the tapered surfaces1851 of alignment tabs 1850 with the tapered alignment surfaces 2001will cause the connector interface plate 1810 to move such that theconnector 1160 is brought into alignment with connector 1060. Once fullyaligned, the insertion of alignment tabs 1850 into cavities 2002 willensure that the connectors 1160,1060 remain in alignment during andafter engagement.

The connector interface plate 1810 can be a PCB that provides a dataconnection between the connector 1160 with a corresponding static PCBhoused within the docking station that provides a data connection toexternal sources/recipients of data (e.g. networking components of thedocking station that communicate with other computing devices, storageintegrated into the seatback and/or docking station, etc.). To accountfor the relative movement of the connector interface plate 1810 and thestatic PCB component of the docking station, the connector interfaceplate 1810 and static PCB component can be connected via a wiredconnection and/or a flexible PCB board section. In embodiments, theconnector interface plate 1810 and static PCB component can havecorresponding aligned contacts with sufficient dimensions to account forthe possible movement distances of the interface plate 1810 such thatthey remain in contact regardless of the movement or position ofinterface plate 1810 relative to the static PCB board section.

E) Heat Dissipation System

In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, heat dissipation system2100 allows the heat load from the seat-back unit to be shared with thedocking station.

FIG. 10A illustrates the components of heat dissipation system 2100corresponding to the display unit 1000. As seen in FIG. 10A, the PCBmain board 2110 of display unit 1000 is in contact with heat sink 2120.Thus, in this example, the PCB main board 2110 can be considered a “heatsource.” Heat sink 2120 is made of a thermally-conductive material. Leafsprings 2130, made of a thermally-conductive material, are thermallycoupled to the heat sink 2120. FIG. 10A shows three leaf springs 2130,but it is contemplated that the amount of leaf springs 2130 can vary toaccount for factors such as the size of display unit 1000, the amount ofheat needing to be dissipated, the size of leaf spring(s) 2130,arrangement of the rear of display unit 1000 and/or the docking station1100 (and thus, the available spaces for placement of the leaf spring(s)2130), etc.

In these embodiments, the docking station 1100 includes at least onethermally conductive element aligned to come into contact with leafsprings 2130 such that heat is transferred via conduction through theleaf springs to the thermally-conductive element of docking station1100, increasing the amount of surface area bearing the thermal load.For the embodiments illustrated herein, the rear plate 1150 shown inFIG. 10B is made of a thermally-conductive material and is used as thethermally-conductive element. In other embodiments, separatethermally-conductive materials can be attached to the docking station1100.

FIG. 12 illustrates the heat dissipation system 2100 of a display unit1000 docked with docking station 1100. As seen in FIG. 12, the leafsprings 2130 (visible through the perforations in plate 1150) are incontact with the rear plate 1150 of docking station 1100.

In certain embodiments, the heat dissipation system can also use thehinge hooks 1010, 1020 to transfer heat to the docking station 1100. Inthese embodiments, illustrated in FIG. 10A, the hinge hooks 1010, 1020can be made of a thermally-conductive material and be thermally coupledwith heat sink 2120. In the example of FIG. 10A, the hinge hooks 1010,1020 are thermally coupled with heat sink 2120 via thermally-conductiveelements 2121 and 2122, respectively. In these embodiments, the hingeloops 1110, 1120 are also made of thermally-conductive materials andthermally coupled with the thermally conductive elements of dockingstation 1100. In the example illustrated in FIG. 10B, the hinge loops1110, 1120 are of a unitary construction with back plate 1150, and assuch are made of the same thermally-conductive material.

It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many moremodifications besides those already described are possible withoutdeparting from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subjectmatter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of theappended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification andthe claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possiblemanner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises”and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements,components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that thereferenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized,or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are notexpressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at leastone of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . andN, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from thegroup, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.

What is claimed is:
 1. A floating connector dock system for a removableentertainment system, comprising: a docking station, comprising: a rearpanel; a connector interface plate, the connector interface plateincluding a first perforation; a first connector interface attached tothe connector interface plate; a first guide pin extending outward fromthe rear panel and passing through the first perforation of theconnector interface plate, wherein the first perforation is dimensionedrelative to the width of the first guide pin to allow for lateralmovement of the connector interface plate relative to the first guidepin within a tolerance; a spring mechanism disposed around the at leastone guide pin and disposed to contact the rear panel and the connectorinterface plate; at least one dock alignment tab attached to andextending outward from the connector interface plate; a front panelrigidly attached to the rear panel by at least one fastener, such thatthe front panel is fixed in place relative to the rear panel, whereinthe connector interface plate is disposed between the rear panel and thefront panel; wherein the front panel comprises a first opening distinctfrom the first perforation, and wherein at least a portion of the firstconnector interface passes through the first opening; wherein the firstguide pin passes through a second perforation of the front panel; and acurrent control pin configured to provide current to the removabledisplay unit when the removable display unit is docked with the dockingstation; wherein the current control pin comprises (i) an outer contactpin, (ii) an inner contact pin disposed within a portion of the outercontact pin and affixed to the rear of the removable display unit, and(iii) a spring disposed around the inner contact pin, such that exertionof a three on the outer contact pin causes the spring to compress andthe outer contact pin to travel toward the inner contact pin until theouter contact pin contacts the inner contact pin; wherein at least aportion of the current control pin passes through the first opening. 2.The floating connector dock system of claim 1, further comprising: aremovable display unit configured to dock with the docking station, theremovable display unit comprising: at least one display alignmentmechanism corresponding to the at least one dock alignment tab; and asecond connector interface configured to interface with the firstconnector interface; wherein the at least one dock alignment tab isconfigured to interact with the corresponding at least one displayalignment mechanism to align the first connector interface of thedocking station with the second connector interface of the removabledisplay unit.
 3. The floating connector dock system of claim 2, whereinthe at least one display alignment mechanism comprises at least onedisplay alignment surface configured to interact with the correspondingat least one dock alignment tab, the at least one display alignmentsurface tapered toward a direction of alignment.
 4. The floatingconnector dock system of claim 2, wherein the spring mechanism comprisesa disk spring.
 5. The floating connector dock system of claim 2, thedocking station further comprising: wherein the connector interfaceplate is supported by the first guide pin.
 6. The floating connectordock system of claim 2, wherein the first perforation is dimensioned tohave an area larger than that of the corresponding first connectorinterface and the at least one dock alignment tab by at least thetolerance in at least one lateral direction.
 7. The floating connectordock system of claim 2, wherein the removable display unit furthercomprises: a heat source; a heat sink thermally coupled to the heatsource; and at least one leaf spring thermally coupled to the heat sink,the at least one leaf spring extending outwardly from the heat sink andmade of a thermally conductive material; and wherein the docking stationis configured to receive the removable display unit, wherein the dockingstation comprises at least one thermally conductive element aligned tocontact the at least one leaf spring of the removable display unit whenthe removable display unit is docked with the docking station.
 8. Thefloating connector dock system of claim 7, wherein: the removabledisplay unit further comprises at least one first attachment mechanismthermally coupled to the heat sink; and the docking station furthercomprises at least one second attachment mechanism thermally coupled tothe at least one thermally conductive element, the at least one secondattachment mechanism is configured to interact with the corresponding atleast one first attachment mechanism to secure the removable displayunit with the docking station when the removable display unit is dockedwith the docking station; wherein the at least first one attachmentmechanism and the at least one second attachment mechanism are made ofthermally-conductive materials.
 9. The floating connector dock system ofclaim 8, wherein: the at least one first attachment mechanism comprisesat least one hinge hook extending from an underside of the removabledisplay unit, the first hinge hook curved toward a front side of theremovable display unit; and the at least one second attachment mechanismcomprises a hinge loop configured to receive the first hinge hook.